Now that summer is here I am craving my go to “hot weather” breakfast – overnight oats. I do enjoy overnight oats all year round but, to me, they are especially good on 80-degree humid days. Admittedly, I don’t always enjoy them for breakfast. Overnight oats are good for lunch, snacks, and even for dessert – especially when I throw in some chocolate.
Enter my new banana and chocolate overnight oats recipe. This recipe is rich, chocolaty, and delicious. There is just something about bananas and chocolate together. You feel good because its fruit but then you are like hmmm should I feel guilty because there’s chocolate too. Well you don’t need to feel guilty when enjoying both of these foods in overnight oats. Nope. Instead you can feel pretty good about it because you get the decadent flavors of chocolate and bananas but with all the nutrition from wholesome oats, chia seeds, and coconut milk.
When making this recipe it works best if the banana is on the ripe side. This lends more banana flavor and sweetness. Also, I only needed ½ of a banana for this recipe. If you are making more than one jar then extra banana won’t be an issue. However, if it is you can freeze the banana for a smoothie or future recipe.
I use unsweetened coconut milk often in my overnight oats recipes. Mostly, that’s what I have on hand in my refrigerator. But you can use any milk. I start each recipe with ½ cup of milk. In the morning, if it is too thick, I will just stir in a little more until I get the consistency I want.
Give this recipe a try if you are looking for something chocolaty and sweet to curb a sweet tooth craving. Each jar will last up to 3 days so it is a perfect make-ahead meal or snack. And plan to stay full for awhile because each jar has 284 calories, 9 grams of fiber, and 8 grams of protein.
Here’s a quick video I put together to bring this recipe to life.
If you have questions about overnight oats see my detailed tutorial here.
If you would rather see these ingredients baked then check out my banana and chocolate chip baked oatmeal cups.
I use Ball Pint Size Wide Mouth Mason Jars for this recipe.
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ tablespoon cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ banana, peeled and chopped
- 1-2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup
- In a pint size mason jar combine rolled oats, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and chia seeds. Stir in pure vanilla extract, coconut milk, and banana. Put the lid on and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, give the oats a stir. Add in pure maple syrup, if needed, for additional sweetness. Add a little more coconut milk, if needed, to loosen it up and until you get the consistency you want.
These jars can be made up to three days ahead of time.
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Nancy Orloski says
July 5, 2015 at 6:36 pmIs there a reason that you say these over night oats only last 3 days? Should I not be making 5 for a whole week of breakfasts at once?
Thanks!
Tammy Kresge says
July 6, 2015 at 1:28 pmYou can probably make them for 5 days. I just find they taste best when only making 3 at a time.
Tammy Kresge says
February 3, 2016 at 7:00 amIn my experience, I feel that overnight oats taste best when only made 3 days ahead of time.
Sophia says
July 6, 2015 at 6:21 pmWhen you write “cocoa powder” is that nesquick (w/ sugar) or do you use the unsweetened kind?
Tammy Kresge says
July 6, 2015 at 9:27 pmIt is Hersey’s unsweetened cocoa powder
Robin says
July 11, 2015 at 11:25 pmGreat alternative to the commercially sold chocolate.
I like the sweet touch of maple syrup.
Michelle says
August 9, 2015 at 10:14 pmDo you think it would taste weird if i made it with water instead of coconut milk..?
Tammy Kresge says
August 11, 2015 at 10:36 amNot sure I never made with water. I am thinking it would be a lot less creamy.
Jewel says
November 9, 2015 at 2:35 amCan I heat it up? I prefer something hot for breakfast
Ashley says
July 23, 2018 at 9:38 pmCan I make this with 1% or whole milk? And honey instead of maple syrup?
Tammy Kresge says
July 24, 2018 at 1:45 pmYes to both!
Emma Pacey says
March 27, 2019 at 1:27 pmHello there, how many points is this on Weightwatchers today? I know it says 7 is that still the same now?
Thank you so much
Emma
BrendaH says
April 23, 2019 at 9:17 amFrom the nutritional information given, I calculated it to be 8 Freestyle Points.
Fran says
June 14, 2019 at 9:19 amCan these be made hot? I prefer hot oatmeal.